DLC Meeting – June 19, 2025 – Minutes
DEAL LAKE COMMISSION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission was held via teleconference using the Zoom Meeting Platform. The Commission Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. After the Salute to the Flag, the Commission Clerk announced that the notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act C.231, P.L. 1975, were met by transmitting the notice to the Commission’s official newspaper on February 6, 2025, posting where required and filing a copy of the notice with the Commission Clerk. The Deal Lake Commission meeting will be audio and video taped and will be shown on APTV, Optimum 77 and throughout Monmouth County on FIOS 28.
ROLL CALL
| PRESENT | ABSENT | |
| Allenhurst (Alt. T. Mauro) | x | |
| Asbury Park (J. Toher) | x | |
| Deal | x | |
| Interlaken (C. Roarty) | x | |
| Loch Arbour (M. Fernicola) | x | |
| Neptune | x | |
| Ocean (D. Brockel) | x |
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dr. Stephen Souza, Commission Environmental Consultant
Jessie M. Joseph, Commission Clerk
Resolution #25-034 – Resolution to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting,
May 15, 2025
UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission held on May 15, 2025 be and the same are hereby approved.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
Resolution #25-035 – Resolution to Approve Treasurer’s Report and Pay Bills of the Deal
Lake Commission – June 19, 2025
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the following Treasurer’s Report for June 19, 2025 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment:
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH
Manasquan Bank $164,606.58 NJ Cash Management Fund 16,374.11
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $180,980.69
RECEIPTS:
Borough of Interlaken – 2025 Assessment $ 10,000.00
Interest – Manasquan Bank, May 2025 $ 504.30
Interest – NJ Cash Management Fund, May 2025 59.01
TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 10,563.31
TOTAL AVAILABLE $191,544.00
DISBURSEMENTS:
2025 Appropriations:
JCP&L (4/24/25 – 5/25/25) (estimated) $ 42.00
Verizon (4/24/25- 5/23/25) 40.10
Clean Waters Consulting, LLC (5/1/25-5/31/25) 1,837.50
Mastermix Audio Media, LLC –
2ndQ. – 25 Services, Zoom, Website Renewals 778.20
Leon S. Avakian, Inc. – General Engineering
(Invoice #30999, 31640 1,110.00
Richard Gartz – CFO Services (June 2025) 650.00
Jessie M. Joseph – Clerk Services (June 2025) 675.00
Jessie M. Joseph – Postage Stamps 29.20
Sub-Total 5,162.00
DLC – 22-02 Water Quality Improvement Grant:
LSA, Inc. – Water Quality Improvements (Inv. 31639) $ 3,745.00
Sub-Total Grants $ 3,745.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS FOR APPROVAL 6/19/2025 $ 8,907.00
TOTAL BALANCES $182,637.00
DETAIL OF BALANCES:
Manasquan Bank $166,203.88
NJ Cash Management Fund 16,433.12
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $182,637.00
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
OLD BUSINESS
- NJDEP Stormwater Management Grant for Seaview Square Mall – Mr. Brockel announced that the official sign-off on the Agreement has been received. Peter Avakian, DLC Engineer and his team are working on the specifications for the RFP.
Dr. Stephen Souza, DLC Environmental Consultant, gave a recap of what the project will entail. Mr. Avakian and Dr. Souza are both in agreement to keep this as simple as possible and use the existing stormwater collection system as much as possible so there is not a tremendous amount of reworking and disturbance of the site. The focus is to install four treatment devices (MTD’s) at locations along the northerly side (Seaview Square Mall side) of the loop road. Two will be west of the main entrance road and two will be east of the main entrance road. We are also looking to install four rain gardens to be located at existing low lying grass areas, adjacent to and between the proposed MTD’s. We are trying to keep this is simple as possible so it is effective, but it’s easy to inspect and maintain. We are also trying to modify the existing culvert so that it detains flow for a longer period of time within Seaview without it compromising the functionality of the existing stormwater collection system. This should help decrease flood flows that go through Colonial Terrace.
Jeanie Toher, City of Asbury Park Commissioner, asked if we could use a different name for this Grant other than 319(H) Grant.
Jessie Joseph, Commission Clerk, pointed out that it has not been listed as a 319(H) Grant. It has been listed on the Agenda as the NJDEP Stormwater Management Grant for Seaview Mall.
Dr. Souza agreed that is what it should be listed as and gave a brief explanation as to why. We did apply for another 319(H) Grant with Clean Ocean Action to update the existing watershed plan.
- Shoreline Protection/Education – Mr. Brockel gave a brief update of the meeting that Dr. Souza, Ms. Toher, and he had with the enforcement arm of the DEP. We now have two people that have been assigned to us and we are back on track and hope to have a lot of issues resolved, especially as it pertains to docks and modifications on a property. He went on to commend and thank Ms. Toher a doing a great job in setting up this meeting.
Ms. Toher said the meeting was held on June 5th and they met with six people, including top officials from two enforcement bureaus, four from Bureau of Coastal Land Use and Compliance Enforcement and two from the Bureau of Water Compliance and Enforcement. Prior to the
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
meeting, an objective for the meeting was established and sent to them. She proceeded to read from a prepared statement regarding the meeting and its outcome. They did say they would let us know and give us a report when they investigate different things so we do not have to wonder what is going on. So, if an incident has been reported to them and they are going to investigate or remediate it, they will let us know.
After more discussion, Mr. Brockel said it was a very good meeting and again thanked Jeannie.
- 2025 Weed Treatment – Mr. Brockel said the contract has been awarded. No action yet.
Dr. Souza said there has been nothing to treat yet.
- 2025 Goose Management – Mr. Brockel feels it went well and hopes to have the report for the next meeting.
- Oil Spill Remediation from Asbury Park Leak – Mr. Brockel spoke about his discussion with LSRP regarding the oil spill on Memorial Drive. They claim the MTD caught it all and it’s cleaned up. He let them know, the oil has been leaking into the lake for years. There is a massive amount of oil along the shoreline in both Asbury Park and Interlaken and we are looking to get it cleaned up. He is still waiting to hear back from them regarding this situation.
There was more discussion on this matter.
- Request for E. Coli Testing from Monmouth County – Mr. Brockel requested the County test for e- coli by the bridges, like they did for the study in 2017-2018. He was told the County no longer has that capability. He went on to say we will be looking to do some testing with Clean Ocean Action. The new 319 Grant money can be used for testing and evaluation and redoing of our stormwater management plan.
NEW BUSINESS
- Various Deal Lake Matters Update – Mr. Brockel reported on one of two new cases. There was a report of chemicals being spilled on vegetation because the lily pads looked like they were disintegrating. The State went the next day, knocked on the door of the homeowner and investigated. They found there were no chemicals placed and the homeowner had cut the knotweed and left it to die and it looked like chemicals were used.
- Resolution #25-036 – Recognizing July 2025 as Lake Appreciation Month
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
WHEREAS, lakes and reservoirs are among New Jersey’s most valuable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, lakes and reservoirs provide drinking water, irrigation, energy, recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, these beneficial uses have been of vital importance to New Jersey’s history, growth, and financial health; and
WHEREAS, our lakes and reservoirs improve the quality of life for all of New Jersey’s residents and their importance should not go unnoticed; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey recognizes the need to protect these lakes and reservoirs for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby proclaims JULY 2025 as LAKE APPRECIATION MONTH in the State of New Jersey and invite all citizens to take due note of the observance.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
- New 319(H) Grant – Covered briefly in the earlier discussion. Dr. Souza went on to explain this is just the application. If we are awarded the grant we will be partnering with Clean Ocean Action.
- Insurance Update – Mr. Brockel said we have two insurance policies. One is for the director’s insurance and the other is for general liability. We are covered but have not received a bill.
- Asbury Park Wildflower Area Issue – Ms. Toher spoke to the head of the Asbury Park DPW and he doesn’t know why the wildflowers were cut down, because they know not to cut the wildflowers. He did send a guy over to stake it out to indicate, not to cut there.
- New DEP Cases – Dock and Possible Chemical Use – Discussed earlier.
- Coastal Lakes Summit June 23rd – Mr. Brockel will be giving an update on Deal Lake.
- Request from County OEM for a Storm Alert System – Mr. Brockel had a request from Shaun Golden, from the County, about an alert system that is being used in the Bayshore area. It is basically a weather system that is bolted to one of the bridges, most likely the Main Street
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
bridge in Asbury Park. It would cost approximately $12,000.00. He gave a brief explanation of the system and how it could benefit the lake. Can be discussed at a later meeting.
- Ms. Toher once again explained that Monmouth University trains people to do water sampling of Deal Lake and periodically we send out requests when we need people. There are seven water testers on the lake at any given time, but right now we need three new people who are interested in being trained. The commitment is twice a month in the warm weather and once a month during the winter.
- Mr. Brockel said there is an effort underway at the JCP&L building. Once the tower comes down, they will need to replace the osprey nest.
COMMISSIONER’S LAST WORD
Tony Mauro, Aletrnate Commissioner for the Borough of Allenhurst, looks like we are making progress and moving ahead. With all the new grants coming in it is a very exciting time to be on the Deal Lake Commission.
Jeanie Toher, Commissioner for the City of Asbury Park, from the meeting with NJDEP they were told if someone reports a violation to the hotline, the DEP must investigate it. Also wanted to mention the DEP will be working with us in developing educational resources and workshops in the future.
Carolyn Roarty, Commissioner for the Borough of Interlaken, gave kudos to Jeannie, Don, and Steve for pulling together the meeting with NJDEP. She would like to see it somehow tie it into the municipal level to give some support to the people who are in each municipality and tie in other organizations such as Freehold Soil for sediment control.
Margot Fernicola, Commissioner for the Village of Loch Arbour, is trying to make sure the residents of the Village of Loch Arbour realize that the actions taken at their homes effect the lake and ocean.
Don Brokcel, Commissioner for the Township of Ocean, reported on an e-mail exchange that he had with the Mayor of Allenhurst regarding a new dock going in. He believes it’s not an illegal dock but it should not have been put in during spawning season. It’s a permanent dock, with pilings but the wildest thing is he received an e-mail from the DPW in Allenhurst through the Mayor which was forwarded from another person. It was a picture of a dock floating around the lake and it was by her house in West Allenhurst. He spoke to the guys working on the dock and told them you can’t build something on someone else’s shoreline. At 9:00 PM they paddled over to Cedar Avenue with two floating structures under the bridge and attached them to the permanent structure. The Mayor has a lot of concerns about this. We connected her to the State to look at the problem. The key issue is what are the rules on docks. We are hoping to get some written guidance to put on our website.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING
UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Allenhurst, moved that the meeting be opened to the public.
Albert Palacci, Cedar Avenue, Allenhurst, is the person that hired the dock person to put the dock in that he saw in the lake. He did consult with an NJDEP expert and he sent him a clear memorandum of understanding of what you are allowed to do as far as docks. He also hired an attorney to help with this matter. He was concerned about the vegetation and tried to take all the proper measures to do so. He thought he was following all the rules by hiring the professionals and they said we were following the rules. He did not contact NJDEP he contacted an NJDEP expert.
Mr. Brockel said we will wait and see what the DEP comes back with and hopefully they will be able to give us more guidance regarding docks on the lake.
Jeffrey Donner, Mr. Palacci’s Attorney, has been in contact with Madison and Tammy from NJDEP. He gave them the memorandum of understanding from their environmental expert which demonstrates that we have what is called a rule permit and because this is a temporary dock the NJDEP does not directly regulate it. He has given that memo to all the necessary people. The place where the frame was put together on a barge and launched from the AP Boat Ramp and brought it over to its final spot in Allenhurst. They were not aware of any prohibition about doing this work in Deal Lake during spawning season. The other problem was his client wanted to have this ready for the summer and Allenhurst has a moratorium on building starting June 30th. They were there tonight in good faith and they appreciate all the work the DLC does.
Dr. Souza asked if it is a temporary dock, is it on pilings or is it just s floating dock?
Mr. Donner said there are pilings there.
Dr. Souza said the only point of contention is sediment disturbance in Deal Lake because it is an anadimous fishery with blue back herring and shad that come into the lake and the lake is also stocked with game fish. There is a restriction in the disturbance of the lake bottom which would occur with the pile driving between April 1st and June 30th. He went on to speak more about the DEP and docks. The one thing he wanted to stress for the future was the disturbance of the lake bottom. If it was a floating dock there would be no issue, but with the disturbance of the lake bottom it’s a different story. The DEP is clear, no disturbance of the bottom because of the resuspension of sediment into the water during that spawning period.
DEAL LAKE COMMISSION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission was held via teleconference using the Zoom Meeting Platform. The Commission Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. After the Salute to the Flag, the Commission Clerk announced that the notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act C.231, P.L. 1975, were met by transmitting the notice to the Commission’s official newspaper on February 6, 2025, posting where required and filing a copy of the notice with the Commission Clerk. The Deal Lake Commission meeting will be audio and video taped and will be shown on APTV, Optimum 77 and throughout Monmouth County on FIOS 28.
ROLL CALL
| PRESENT | ABSENT | |
| Allenhurst (Alt. T. Mauro) | x | |
| Asbury Park (J. Toher) | x | |
| Deal | x | |
| Interlaken (C. Roarty) | x | |
| Loch Arbour (M. Fernicola) | x | |
| Neptune | x | |
| Ocean (D. Brockel) | x |
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dr. Stephen Souza, Commission Environmental Consultant
Jessie M. Joseph, Commission Clerk
Resolution #25-034 – Resolution to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting,
May 15, 2025
UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission held on May 15, 2025 be and the same are hereby approved.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
Resolution #25-035 – Resolution to Approve Treasurer’s Report and Pay Bills of the Deal
Lake Commission – June 19, 2025
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the following Treasurer’s Report for June 19, 2025 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment:
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH
Manasquan Bank $164,606.58 NJ Cash Management Fund 16,374.11
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $180,980.69
RECEIPTS:
Borough of Interlaken – 2025 Assessment $ 10,000.00
Interest – Manasquan Bank, May 2025 $ 504.30
Interest – NJ Cash Management Fund, May 2025 59.01
TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 10,563.31
TOTAL AVAILABLE $191,544.00
DISBURSEMENTS:
2025 Appropriations:
JCP&L (4/24/25 – 5/25/25) (estimated) $ 42.00
Verizon (4/24/25- 5/23/25) 40.10
Clean Waters Consulting, LLC (5/1/25-5/31/25) 1,837.50
Mastermix Audio Media, LLC –
2ndQ. – 25 Services, Zoom, Website Renewals 778.20
Leon S. Avakian, Inc. – General Engineering
(Invoice #30999, 31640 1,110.00
Richard Gartz – CFO Services (June 2025) 650.00
Jessie M. Joseph – Clerk Services (June 2025) 675.00
Jessie M. Joseph – Postage Stamps 29.20
Sub-Total 5,162.00
DLC – 22-02 Water Quality Improvement Grant:
LSA, Inc. – Water Quality Improvements (Inv. 31639) $ 3,745.00
Sub-Total Grants $ 3,745.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS FOR APPROVAL 6/19/2025 $ 8,907.00
TOTAL BALANCES $182,637.00
DETAIL OF BALANCES:
Manasquan Bank $166,203.88
NJ Cash Management Fund 16,433.12
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $182,637.00
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
OLD BUSINESS
- NJDEP Stormwater Management Grant for Seaview Square Mall – Mr. Brockel announced that the official sign-off on the Agreement has been received. Peter Avakian, DLC Engineer and his team are working on the specifications for the RFP.
Dr. Stephen Souza, DLC Environmental Consultant, gave a recap of what the project will entail. Mr. Avakian and Dr. Souza are both in agreement to keep this as simple as possible and use the existing stormwater collection system as much as possible so there is not a tremendous amount of reworking and disturbance of the site. The focus is to install four treatment devices (MTD’s) at locations along the northerly side (Seaview Square Mall side) of the loop road. Two will be west of the main entrance road and two will be east of the main entrance road. We are also looking to install four rain gardens to be located at existing low lying grass areas, adjacent to and between the proposed MTD’s. We are trying to keep this is simple as possible so it is effective, but it’s easy to inspect and maintain. We are also trying to modify the existing culvert so that it detains flow for a longer period of time within Seaview without it compromising the functionality of the existing stormwater collection system. This should help decrease flood flows that go through Colonial Terrace.
Jeanie Toher, City of Asbury Park Commissioner, asked if we could use a different name for this Grant other than 319(H) Grant.
Jessie Joseph, Commission Clerk, pointed out that it has not been listed as a 319(H) Grant. It has been listed on the Agenda as the NJDEP Stormwater Management Grant for Seaview Mall.
Dr. Souza agreed that is what it should be listed as and gave a brief explanation as to why. We did apply for another 319(H) Grant with Clean Ocean Action to update the existing watershed plan.
- Shoreline Protection/Education – Mr. Brockel gave a brief update of the meeting that Dr. Souza, Ms. Toher, and he had with the enforcement arm of the DEP. We now have two people that have been assigned to us and we are back on track and hope to have a lot of issues resolved, especially as it pertains to docks and modifications on a property. He went on to commend and thank Ms. Toher a doing a great job in setting up this meeting.
Ms. Toher said the meeting was held on June 5th and they met with six people, including top officials from two enforcement bureaus, four from Bureau of Coastal Land Use and Compliance Enforcement and two from the Bureau of Water Compliance and Enforcement. Prior to the
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
meeting, an objective for the meeting was established and sent to them. She proceeded to read from a prepared statement regarding the meeting and its outcome. They did say they would let us know and give us a report when they investigate different things so we do not have to wonder what is going on. So, if an incident has been reported to them and they are going to investigate or remediate it, they will let us know.
After more discussion, Mr. Brockel said it was a very good meeting and again thanked Jeannie.
- 2025 Weed Treatment – Mr. Brockel said the contract has been awarded. No action yet.
Dr. Souza said there has been nothing to treat yet.
- 2025 Goose Management – Mr. Brockel feels it went well and hopes to have the report for the next meeting.
- Oil Spill Remediation from Asbury Park Leak – Mr. Brockel spoke about his discussion with LSRP regarding the oil spill on Memorial Drive. They claim the MTD caught it all and it’s cleaned up. He let them know, the oil has been leaking into the lake for years. There is a massive amount of oil along the shoreline in both Asbury Park and Interlaken and we are looking to get it cleaned up. He is still waiting to hear back from them regarding this situation.
There was more discussion on this matter.
- Request for E. Coli Testing from Monmouth County – Mr. Brockel requested the County test for e- coli by the bridges, like they did for the study in 2017-2018. He was told the County no longer has that capability. He went on to say we will be looking to do some testing with Clean Ocean Action. The new 319 Grant money can be used for testing and evaluation and redoing of our stormwater management plan.
NEW BUSINESS
- Various Deal Lake Matters Update – Mr. Brockel reported on one of two new cases. There was a report of chemicals being spilled on vegetation because the lily pads looked like they were disintegrating. The State went the next day, knocked on the door of the homeowner and investigated. They found there were no chemicals placed and the homeowner had cut the knotweed and left it to die and it looked like chemicals were used.
- Resolution #25-036 – Recognizing July 2025 as Lake Appreciation Month
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
WHEREAS, lakes and reservoirs are among New Jersey’s most valuable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, lakes and reservoirs provide drinking water, irrigation, energy, recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, these beneficial uses have been of vital importance to New Jersey’s history, growth, and financial health; and
WHEREAS, our lakes and reservoirs improve the quality of life for all of New Jersey’s residents and their importance should not go unnoticed; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey recognizes the need to protect these lakes and reservoirs for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby proclaims JULY 2025 as LAKE APPRECIATION MONTH in the State of New Jersey and invite all citizens to take due note of the observance.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
- New 319(H) Grant – Covered briefly in the earlier discussion. Dr. Souza went on to explain this is just the application. If we are awarded the grant we will be partnering with Clean Ocean Action.
- Insurance Update – Mr. Brockel said we have two insurance policies. One is for the director’s insurance and the other is for general liability. We are covered but have not received a bill.
- Asbury Park Wildflower Area Issue – Ms. Toher spoke to the head of the Asbury Park DPW and he doesn’t know why the wildflowers were cut down, because they know not to cut the wildflowers. He did send a guy over to stake it out to indicate, not to cut there.
- New DEP Cases – Dock and Possible Chemical Use – Discussed earlier.
- Coastal Lakes Summit June 23rd – Mr. Brockel will be giving an update on Deal Lake.
- Request from County OEM for a Storm Alert System – Mr. Brockel had a request from Shaun Golden, from the County, about an alert system that is being used in the Bayshore area. It is basically a weather system that is bolted to one of the bridges, most likely the Main Street
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
bridge in Asbury Park. It would cost approximately $12,000.00. He gave a brief explanation of the system and how it could benefit the lake. Can be discussed at a later meeting.
- Ms. Toher once again explained that Monmouth University trains people to do water sampling of Deal Lake and periodically we send out requests when we need people. There are seven water testers on the lake at any given time, but right now we need three new people who are interested in being trained. The commitment is twice a month in the warm weather and once a month during the winter.
- Mr. Brockel said there is an effort underway at the JCP&L building. Once the tower comes down, they will need to replace the osprey nest.
COMMISSIONER’S LAST WORD
Tony Mauro, Aletrnate Commissioner for the Borough of Allenhurst, looks like we are making progress and moving ahead. With all the new grants coming in it is a very exciting time to be on the Deal Lake Commission.
Jeanie Toher, Commissioner for the City of Asbury Park, from the meeting with NJDEP they were told if someone reports a violation to the hotline, the DEP must investigate it. Also wanted to mention the DEP will be working with us in developing educational resources and workshops in the future.
Carolyn Roarty, Commissioner for the Borough of Interlaken, gave kudos to Jeannie, Don, and Steve for pulling together the meeting with NJDEP. She would like to see it somehow tie it into the municipal level to give some support to the people who are in each municipality and tie in other organizations such as Freehold Soil for sediment control.
Margot Fernicola, Commissioner for the Village of Loch Arbour, is trying to make sure the residents of the Village of Loch Arbour realize that the actions taken at their homes effect the lake and ocean.
Don Brokcel, Commissioner for the Township of Ocean, reported on an e-mail exchange that he had with the Mayor of Allenhurst regarding a new dock going in. He believes it’s not an illegal dock but it should not have been put in during spawning season. It’s a permanent dock, with pilings but the wildest thing is he received an e-mail from the DPW in Allenhurst through the Mayor which was forwarded from another person. It was a picture of a dock floating around the lake and it was by her house in West Allenhurst. He spoke to the guys working on the dock and told them you can’t build something on someone else’s shoreline. At 9:00 PM they paddled over to Cedar Avenue with two floating structures under the bridge and attached them to the permanent structure. The Mayor has a lot of concerns about this. We connected her to the State to look at the problem. The key issue is what are the rules on docks. We are hoping to get some written guidance to put on our website.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING
UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Allenhurst, moved that the meeting be opened to the public.
Albert Palacci, Cedar Avenue, Allenhurst, is the person that hired the dock person to put the dock in that he saw in the lake. He did consult with an NJDEP expert and he sent him a clear memorandum of understanding of what you are allowed to do as far as docks. He also hired an attorney to help with this matter. He was concerned about the vegetation and tried to take all the proper measures to do so. He thought he was following all the rules by hiring the professionals and they said we were following the rules. He did not contact NJDEP he contacted an NJDEP expert.
Mr. Brockel said we will wait and see what the DEP comes back with and hopefully they will be able to give us more guidance regarding docks on the lake.
Jeffrey Donner, Mr. Palacci’s Attorney, has been in contact with Madison and Tammy from NJDEP. He gave them the memorandum of understanding from their environmental expert which demonstrates that we have what is called a rule permit and because this is a temporary dock the NJDEP does not directly regulate it. He has given that memo to all the necessary people. The place where the frame was put together on a barge and launched from the AP Boat Ramp and brought it over to its final spot in Allenhurst. They were not aware of any prohibition about doing this work in Deal Lake during spawning season. The other problem was his client wanted to have this ready for the summer and Allenhurst has a moratorium on building starting June 30th. They were there tonight in good faith and they appreciate all the work the DLC does.
Dr. Souza asked if it is a temporary dock, is it on pilings or is it just s floating dock?
Mr. Donner said there are pilings there.
Dr. Souza said the only point of contention is sediment disturbance in Deal Lake because it is an anadimous fishery with blue back herring and shad that come into the lake and the lake is also stocked with game fish. There is a restriction in the disturbance of the lake bottom which would occur with the pile driving between April 1st and June 30th. He went on to speak more about the DEP and docks. The one thing he wanted to stress for the future was the disturbance of the lake bottom. If it was a floating dock there would be no issue, but with the disturbance of the lake bottom it’s a different story. The DEP is clear, no disturbance of the bottom because of the resuspension of sediment into the water during that spawning period.
There was more discussion on the dock.
There being no further comments and UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the public hearing be closed. There being no further business and
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
UPON MOTION Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the meeting be finally adjourned at 8:17 PM.
_____________________________
Jessie M. Joseph, RMC
Commission Clerk
There was more discussion on the dock.
There being no further comments and UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the public hearing be closed. There being no further business and
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 19, 2025
UPON MOTION Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the meeting be finally adjourned at 8:17 PM.
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Jessie M. Joseph, RMC
Commission Clerk